Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

It doesn't matter if you are selling a bike or buying, knowing how to pack it and get it to its destination at the lowest cost will help you. For an inexpensive bike, there is no need to pay the store for professional packaging. Also, you can save on transportation costs by disassembling the bike for parts.

Steps

1. 1 Search box: Find the correct bike box. Local shops usually offer packaging for transporting bicycles. True, you will most likely have to pay a symbolic amount of no more than $ 5. Ask for a small box. This will help save on transportation costs.
2. 2 Cost calculation: Measure the length, width and height of the box. Put the results in the Freight Calculator, which you can find on websites such as http://www.FedEx.com and http://www.UPS.com, along with the bike shipping address. A conservative estimate of the weight of a package is usually around 16 kilograms. You will be lucky if your cargo does not exceed the carrier's weight limits. But if the calculation results show an additional cost of $ 25 or $ 35, then you will have to cut the box.
3. 3 Bicycles are often transported through the Amtrak Express transportation service, which makes transportation from station to station. The parts must be safely packed in boxes, and the boxes themselves can also be purchased at the station. For more information go to http://www.amtrak.com.
4. 4 Cutting the box (if necessary): cut 6 or 8 centimeters to the four corners of the open end of the box between the bottom and top. Bend the bottom and top planes inward and re-measure the box. The length and depth have not changed, but the height of the box is now less. Perhaps, with such parameters, your box will fit the standards of the shipping company and you will not have to pay an additional $ 25 or $ 35. If the size is still too large, repeat the trimming another 6 or 8 centimeters.
5. 5 Check the capacity: It is best to run a few capacity tests. To fit the bike into a smaller box, you may need to remove one or two wheels, pedals, saddle and maybe even the handlebars, as trying to loosen the stem to turn the handlebars itself will not work.
6. 6 Your work is now complete.

Tips

• For shipping companies, FedEx bicycle shipping is typically around 10% cheaper than UPS shipping. Don't forget about alternative shippers that offer flexible discounts like a 10% discount for registering on a company website.
• Delivery of bicycles to the regions usually costs $ 15- $ 20. In the country, such transportation can cost $ 30- $ 40 or more. However, keep in mind that due to the recent hike in fuel, there has been a major change in freight prices, bringing the cost of a full freight to $ 100 or more.
• AMTRAK will sell you a shipping box for $ 15 at a pickup station. In this case, you will have to do the packaging yourself. They will measure the box and deliver it anywhere in the country for $ 60- $ 80. You will receive the bike at the cargo arrival station, collect the bike and leave. The box remains with them.
• Double check the parameters of the box using online calculators before bringing the bike to the place of departure. "Seven times measure cut once".
• When shopping, look at your local shops first. This can save you shipping costs in principle.

Warnings

• Expensive, rare or collectible bicycles should always be professionally packed in the store.
• Always get insurance against damage for your bike (most carriers automatically provide insurance for up to $ 100).
• Write destination details on the box with an indelible marker; include the same information inside the box. Also include everything you need for air travel.
• UPS / FedEx does not provide insurance against damage. Instead, you will receive a statement about the measures the company will take to protect the goods from damage. You must, and simply MUST, pack the bike according to the instructions provided, or seek no refund in the event of damage. Stores do not pack as per UPS / FedEx instructions, so use a professional. Shipping charges are based on the final size, weight and destination of your shipment.
• Disassembled bikes are often lost or abandoned in domestic air travel due to their size and fragility; stock up on plan B if your bike doesn't arrive at its destination.

What do you need

• Packing box from the store
• Tools: Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, etc.
• Scotch tape, centimeter, vacuum bags, packaging materials
• Internet access to find out the price for transportation in advance using calculators